Aristotelian ethics Essay Example for Free

Aristotelian ethics EssayAristotelian ethics is rivet on the search for happiness through lawfulness. Happiness functions as the chief and lowest end of man while virtue is a mediated posit in amid the irrational tendencies of man. The Aristotelian good system is primarily focused on the nonion of virtue and value of the golden stand for which focuses on practicality as a method of achieving happiness in opposition to self-realization.According to Aristotle, ethical knowledge is not precise compared to the study of mathematics or the sciences, but a practical discipline that in order to be good or virtuous is not to quantify it as a study but to actually experience becoming good or virtuous. In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotles play breaks away from the reason-centered philosophies of his predecessors namely Plato and Aristotle concerning the reason- base pursuit of the highest form of good through an empirical and a goal-centered procession.The attainment of the good is the foundation of Aristotelian ethical principles ethics during the condition of classical Greek philosophy is primarily concerned on living the good life through the climateration of actions. This notion of good however is several(predicate) from the hedonistic perspectives concerning the happiness. Hedonism centers its beliefs on pleasure as the purpose or utmost end of man while Aristotles ethics are primarily enjoin to the practice and experience of life through virtue and mediation.He argues that the rational and irrational tendencies of the psyche such as aspirations, desires, wants, and needs, have an ultimate end. Happiness is the final end of such tendencies however, the process in which happiness may be achieved may go against the dictates of the soul because of subjectivity. Contrary to Platos self-existing good, happiness is practical rather than an archetype it can be attain in the sense that an individual mustiness experience it. The highest form of good must be desirable in itself and not to function to some other self-serving purpose.For Aristotle, happiness is found in the everyday experiences of life and work that is unique to rationalistic humans soul. The individuals purpose is to act upon what is inherently human, that is, to attain happiness through experience. The fulfillment of such end leads to the read of eudaimonia, literally meaning happiness. Eudaimonia is a state of state of mind rather than an interpretative or emotive discernment of happiness per se. In order to achieve such, Aristotle first defines the distinct parts of the human soul, the notion of virtue and its function as part of experience.Happiness is subjective to the individual since there are many forms and concepts wherein happiness can be understand pleasure leads to a state of temporal and physical happiness but does not eternally reside on the individual. The multitude of perspectives concerning the attainment of a ordinary idea of happiness is a dilemma since experience provides a subjective interpretation of a phenomenon, there may be no existing familiar idea. As narrated in the Ethics And so the man who has been educated in a subject is a good judge of that subject, and the man who has received an all-round(prenominal) education is a good judge in general.Hence a young man is not a proper hearer of lectures on governmental science for he is inexperienced in the actions that occur in life (Aristotle 3). For Aristotle, experience and practicality are the foundations of ethical belief. In contrast with his predecessors mode of ethical discipline, Aristotle argues that ethics cannot be derived from an abstract notion such as Platos Theory of Forms where the self-existing good remains self-evident and unchangeable. This reason-based or rationalistic approach is refuted with Aristotles empirical standpoint.Experience, according to Aristotle, is a unique human condition and its uniqueness provides the basis for the formatio n of a practical ethical system of belief. In order to understand the concept of virtue, Aristotle first divides the parts of the human soul into two parts, the rational and irrational soul which is further subdivided into three categories, namely the vegetative, appetitive, and scheming value. The irrational part of the human person is related to the animalistic soul or instinct (nutritive value), while the rational soul is the distinguishing factor against pure lifelike tendencies.Thus, rational nature of the soul is the definition of the human persona humans has the ability to reason (calculative/appetitive) and impose misrepresent on irrational tendencies. The normative control over irrational desires is also a part of Aristotles biological differentiation between man and animal. Animals rely on instinct or desire which is irrational, to maintain their survival. The control of the irrational nature (appetitive) leads to the formation of moral virtue while the perfection of th e pure rationalistic soul which provides intellect and reason (calculative) is know as an intellectual virtue.Thus, moral virtue falls under the middle ground between the intellect, which regulates it, and the passions, which virtue attempts to control. celibacy is defined as a state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean, i. e. the mean relative to us, this being determined by a rational principle, and by that principle by which the man of practical wisdom would determine it (Aristotle 35). Virtue, in accordance with experience, is based from practical knowledge. Contradicting the notion of the self-existing good, practical knowledge replaces the notion of self-existing truths.The Platonic notion of understanding these truths is through self-recognition of ignorance as an obstacle of intellectual illumination. In contrast, the practicality of experience acts as the foundation of virtue that is learned through the uniqueness of human experience. Experience is conseque ntly essential in acquiring these virtues rather than acknowledge the presence of such through the affirmation of doubt. Platos theory as exemplified in the Allegory of the core out calls for the self-affirmation of I know nothing in order to determine the absolute or ideal knowledge that exists in the realm of the forms.Aristotle deviates from this rationalistic approach as he emphasizes on practicality in determining truths. Further, Aristotle explains since things that are found in the soul are of three kinds passions, faculties, states of character, virtue must be one of these (Aristotle 43) The soul as expressed in its dualistic rational and irrational parts, contain passions, faculties, and other states of character. The passions consist of the emotional either accompanied by pleasure or pain (e. g. joy, sorrow). The faculties of the soul is the capability of these emotions (e.g. being happy, joyful, etc. ), while the states of character is the middle ground in-between the e motional opposites (e. g. consumed or weakened by anger). Virtue is then a mediation of the passions which acts upon the faculties of the soul and leads to the essence on the states of character. One of the important notions in Aristotelian ethics is the notion of the Golden Mean. The golden mean separates human action (e. g. passions) into virtue and vice. The mean, in context with experience, provides the avenue of practicing virtue in the process of attaining happiness.Virtues are either at mean or in opposition (virtue and vice). Vices are further categorized either in its extreme or deficient sense while moral virtue functions as the regulate principle situates action in moderation. For example, the virtue of modesty is the mean between the vice of deficiency (shamelessness) and extreme (bashfulness). The virtue of courage is the middle ground between rashness and cowardice. The concept of the golden mean is dictated by the functions of rationality wherein behavior is formed t hrough experience.It however cannot be quantified through a numeral or logical proposition meaning to eat 100 times in excess means it cannot be justified by starving oneself in 50. This ethical system is solely dependent on the conception of rationality on the part of the individual in proportion to the uniqueness of experience. The value of virtue is the understanding of mediation in action rather than performing in excess or deficiency. To understand the middle ground of opposite actions leads to intellectual equanimity or realization that to be in excess and deficient leads either through temporary happiness (pleasure) or the lack of it (pain).In addition, the task of determination the middle ground in vices is a difficult task. According to Aristotle Hence also it is no blowzy task to be good. For in everything it is no easy task to find the middle, e. g. to find the middle of a circle is not for everyone but for him who knows so, too, any one can get angry that is easy o r give or spend money but to do this to the right person, to the right extent, at the right time with the right motive, and in the right way, that is not for everyone, nor it is easy. (Aristotle 49)To easily determine the middle ground of vices cannot be applied for the totality of every individual since the irrational soul still acts upon its instinctive nature. In relation to the Platonic challenged posed by the Theory of Forms, the attainment of the good is solely dependent on the individual to countermand the irrational passions in order to send the soul and purpose in attaining its final end. Platos challenge is focused on the breakaway from ignorance to understand the ideal world in which the world of illusions is based from.Aristotle on the other hand, focuses on the importance of experience and practical knowledge to know happiness means we have to experience happiness. Aristotles happiness is attained through the practice of virtue and the regulation of the golden mean. Ho wever, Aristotle argues So much, then, is plain that the intermediate state is in all things to be praised, but that we must bend sometimes towards the excess, sometimes towards the deficiency, for so shall we most easily hit the mean and what is right (Aristotle 50).In order to understand the mean, Aristotle again notes the importance of experience. The individual must therefore experience the extreme opposites of the passions (vice) in order to determine the golden mean. For example, one cannot know the virtue of courage if one does not become a coward (deficient) or be rash (excess) in actions. It is only after experience teaches the individual the value of virtue and virtue in turn, leads to the attainment of eudaimonia in which happiness is eternal.ReferenceAristotle. Nicomachean Ethics (M. Ostwald, Trans. ) New York Collier Macmillan. 1962

Walden by Henry David Thoreau Essay Example for Free

Walden by henry David Thoreau EssayNo doubt, the great Henry David Thoreau was natural in Concord, Massachusetts on July 12, 1817 and died there calmly on May 6, 1862. He was explained by Hawthorne as ugly as sin. He appreciated temperament, and his tranquillize worry was exploring the woods and ponds making full observations of plants and creatures. Henry led a remarkable tone, never marrying, and marching to his avow drummer, as he put it. From 1845 to 1847, he lived unaccompanied in a little cabin he built by Walden Pond near Concord. He explain this sole trial in natural living in Walden criticizing those who lead lives of quiet desperation by all the trappings of usual society. His personal self- government and simple manner was irate to a number of people, and he gained very little credit throughout his lifetime. Henry David Thoreau was jailed for refusing to pay his top-tax because he did not believe he should be part of a government which allowed the holding of slaves and invaded other countries (Mexico) with a standing army. An unknown person paid his poll-tax and he was released from jail.Thoreau would have preferred to remain jailed and had others join him in his refusal. If others had joined him, based on their consciences he believes this could have caused the minority to force the majority to do the right thing. I know this well, that if atomic number 53 thousand, if whizz hundred, if ten men whom I could name if ten honest men only yes, if one HONEST man ceasing to hold slaves withdrew from the copartner-ship, and be locked up in the county jail therefore, it would be the abolition of slavery in America (Thoreau, Disobedience 317).Summary of His Book Today a majority of high enlighten students do not read books because it is considered boring, and with todays technology, you dont have to read, something else will do it for you. People who dont read often judge a book by its cover. It is not all books that be as dull as thei r readers. Thoreau give tongue to this quote because people often judge books without knowing about the book, in this case, the book would not be dull b arely the person saying it is will be.In the chapter Reading, Thoreau said, To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a noble exercise, and one that will task the reader more than any exercise which the customs of the day esteem. It requires training such as the athletes underwent the steady intention almost of the full-length life to this object. This quote is very heavy because Thoreau is saying that reading is not an faint task, precisely it also requires lots of practice and training just as athletes undergo. Throughout the chapter of Reading, Thoreau states how everyone should read books, and if we dont, we could end up beingness like pygmies and manikins.No wonder that Alexander carried the Iliad with him on his expeditions in a precious casket. (Thoreau, Walden) In the chapter Solitude, Thoreau explains how being by yourself is not at all a bad thing. But for the most part it is as solitary where I live as on the prairies. It is as much Asia or Africa as New England, I have, as it were, my own sun and moon and stars, and a little world all to myself. Thoreau didnt appearance at solitude as being something bad or a punishment, he looked at it as if it were a gift. When he said that he had his own little world all to himself, it made me think different about whenever I am alone.I used to think of solitude as something that was bad, but the way that Thoreau put it, I now felt better about being all by me. In the chapter Visitors, Thoreau talks about how having people about are just as good as being in solitude. I had three chairs in my house one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society. When visitors came in larger and unexpected numbers there was but the third chair for them all, but they generally economized the room by standing up. I think that when Thoreau said that he wanted to keep things as simple as possible, he meant it.For example, he only had 3 chairs in his house, and to most people that would be crazy, but when you think about it, how many chairs do you actually need? Or how many rooms do you need? Thoreau also said that it was amazing how he could fit 25-30 people in his tiny house, and how that brought him and all of his visitors closer together. I could not but notice some of the peculiarities of my visitors. Girls and boys and young women generally seemed glad to be in the woods. They looked in the pond and at the flowers, and improved their time. (Samuel Taylor Coleridge)Walden by Henry David Thoreau is an important book for a high school student to read because it has important factors of life that may be needed now, or in you future. In this book, Thoreau explained many things, but I think the most important thing he explained were his chapters on Reading, Solitude, and Visitors. He explained the importance and necess ity of reading, he showed how being alone is usually a good thing, and he also showed how great visitors can be. These are all reasons why I think high school students should read Walden. ConclusionThoreau wrote a lot of stories, one counting Walden. This story clearly depicted Thoreaus love for nature and life. Thoreau, in the primary part, defines what he sees as the main difficulty of his time. In the second part, Thoreau describes his own trial in living an easy life. Part three focuses on what is significant to him. In this case, Nature is most significant to him, believing nature of learn as a spiritual pursuit. The wide-cut story of Walden is just a trial of a man in living well. Henry D. Thoreau also wrote Resistance which was about him refusing to pay a poll tax.He was in prison and imprisoned in agreement for one night in 1846 for default of his poll tax. This act of disobedience was a commission against slavery and alongside the Mexican War, which Thoreau and other abo litionists regard as a means to get bigger the slave territory. Self-reliance and personal independence are hallmarks which are predominant in Walden. Thoreau went to the woods to get to the most basic facts of life and to appreciate and enjoy everything about these most basic facts. Thoreau viewed the woods in particular, and nature in general, as a teacher of life and living.Thoreau believed that the simpler his life became the greater his opportunity to appreciate life. Thoreau did not want to allow society to particularise that which he knew as life. To live an existence based on the common experience of others would be as to neglect ones own experience. Individualism and an appreciation for nature and solitude do not necessarily mean living as a hermit. Thoreau believed that in order to truly appreciate life, to understand and experience life as ones own life, it is necessary to quiet the mind of all the surrounding trappings of society.Individualism, the importance of the ind ividual, self-reliance, and personal independence is one of the leading characteristics of the era of Romanticism. Henry David Thoreau wrote about individualism and demonstrated his belief by the way he lived. Living at Walden Pond, standing up to his government, refusing to pay a poll-tax to a government with which he viewed as corrupt are examples of his fierce independence and indistinguishability. Thoreau is a stellar example of what individuality can produce.A worthy goal is to induct the effort to devote oneself to thought and work, to in fact nurture ones own individuality, rather than becoming lost in the mainstream of life. This will allow greater individuality and diversity to complement our current day society.ReferencesSamuel Taylor Coleridge, The Collected Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, gen. ed. Kathleen Coburn, 14 vols. to date (Princeton Princeton UP, 1969) 6 30. Thoreau, Walden, the Writings of Henry David Thoreau 199. All additional citations from Walden will bring forth from this edition and be designated by a page number in parentheses.

Grolsch Company Essay Example for Free

Grolsch Company Essay1. Yes, several of the major players have been actively engaging in mergers and acquisitions, leading to a more concentrated market with larger market shares for the leading firms.2. There is not a clear leader which absolutely dominates the industry. While Heineken is the leader in the international market, Bud (Light) leads total volume. There is also no core, the leading companies in international and total volume markets differ from each other.3. In its shape of expansion, Grolsch has engaged in both cooperation with local brewers, and direct shipping from domestic factories, depending on the markets demand. For markets such(prenominal) as the USA that valued originality, direct shipping was used. For others that did not hold an emphasis on this, joint venture options were explored to cut costs.4. No, standardization is not increasing. Majority of Grolschs sales come from its Grolsch Premium Lager, with other variations such as Amsterdam beers. Packagin g was not standardized around the globe, products shipped to different markets had country-specific labels. Grolsch is also impairmentd differently in various markets, priced at a higher price in its domestic market.5. It implies that minimum target should be to further enhance operations, increasing production and distribution efficiencies to achieve cost reduction in orderliness to remain profitable.6. Variation is quite large on cross-country markets. Grolsch is priced as a premium brand in non-domestic market and a mid cat standard product in the Netherlands for Grolsch Premium Lager. Also, the different products offered in different regions also make them differ in profitability. For example, the home market that accounted for roughly 50% of sales in volume generated 65% of revenues with even higher EBIT.7. Profits are to the highest degree tightly linked with volume, with national sales as it is the most profitable providing the highest EBIT and lowest distribution costs. International sales have shown to be slightly less profitable but still important in overall profitability.8. Price-sensitivity for beer is relatively low, with many competitors in the market so distribution on economic profits should lean more towards suppliers and complementors.9. Labor took up approximately 15% of revenues compared to 4% to 6% on advertising. Hence, the industry Grolsch is in is most likely labor-intensive.

Distinguish Between Sense Reference And Denotation Philosophy Essay

Distinguish Between Sense Reference And Denotation Philosophy EssayIndividuals transfer their thoughts and brains to each other via address. The loudspeakers of a language have a common basic vocabulary, and part the knowledge of nitty-gritty of several words, in their mental lexicon. The meaning of an expression cannot be understood as the definitions found in a dictionary entry consequently, linguists suggest alternative ways of defining meaning. K. Nelson (1985) proposed that meaning has three counterparts relating to reference, denotation and horse sense.A reference is the sleeper in the midst of an expression and the object it refers to (the denotative). Expressions referring to a situation object or entity in the world argon spotd as referring expressions J.I Saeed (2003). Therefore, girl is a referent in That girl seems nice, which is a referring expression.Objects in the worldReference, partly depends on the sense of expressions. Sense shows a birth between the ex pression and the object in the world, in relation to a mental representation. J.I Saeed (2003) describes a mental representation as a complex and abstract constituent relating an idea to the object in the world (the fancy). The relationship between sense, the expression and the referent was outlined by C.K. Ogden and I.A Richards when they presented the first semiotic triangle in The Meaning of Meaning (1923). In the meaning triangle an expression is thought to provide access to an underlying concept, which in turn refers to an object in the world (referent). This clarifies the existence of a relationship between a word, a sense and its referent.DenotesA distinction between reference and sense is do in On Sense and Reference, G. Frege (1892), revealing their close correlation coefficient whilst it is overly suggesting that the sense of a sign may change without altering the referent. In order to describe how expressions referring to the selfsame(prenominal) object may differ in sense, Frege presents the expressions morning leash and evening star. Both refer to the same object regardless of their different senses. (Morning star= Venus at dawn whilst Evening star= Venus at dusk). Frege describes the reference as the expression having an actual object corresponding to it and the sense of this expression as the concept of the expression.An expression is said to cover its ability to denote because it is associated to an object, in the speakers mind. Hence, reference and denotation are closely related. Referring is the action taken by the speaker in picking out objects in the world while denoting is a property possessed by the expression. A denotation is a constant relationship in a language which is sovereign of word use it is not altered by time, unlike reference.Two major theories also clarify the terms reference and denotation, both theories highlight the relationship between a linguistic expression and a referent. The Denotational possibleness describe s a direct relationship between expressions and objects. The Representational Theory, on the other hand, states that the relationship between the words and objects in the world is mediated by our mental model.To conclude, language is seen as a means of recognizing objects in the world. Reference cannot be the sole idea of the theory of meaning but our semantic knowledge suggests that sense, reference and denotation are vital for our arrest. Speakers of the same language understand each other because they share a basic vocabulary whilst also making sense of what a particular expression is denoting and referring to.4. Outline the main features of Prototype Theory and show how it differs from the upright view of concepts as necessary and sufficient conditions. Give examples to support your answer.Through the years, philosophers, scientists and linguists have thought about how language ties a word to a particular concept, whilst raising arguments about what makes a concept and what is the definition of meaning. One of the most remarkable theories presented in the 1970s was that of Eleanor Rosch and her colleagues.This theory is based on the idea of prototypes, reckon concepts as constructed with the intention of creating a more typic member of a category, but eventually deviating into a less typical and hazier idea. For example in the wring concept red is a more central representative, as opposed to fuchsia.E. Rosch and her co-workers sustained their theory by analysing trends seen in the evidence they obtained during their experiments speakers settled for the more typical members of a category of concepts. This demonstrates how categories are structured some members of a concept may be more prototypical than others, lacking a certain sense of boundary. So, if speakers are asked for an example of fruit, they are expected to come up with more obvious examples, such as apples, rather than plums. This happens since the more outlined ideas, are the first that com e to the speakers mind, because the speaker is more used to these ideas, and feels they are the safer and more accurate.Categories are mostly based upon the speakers knowledge and experience of the real world. These categories are wise to(p) ideas, they are personal ideas (personal construct) and so they are biased. As a result the lexicon (and conceptual categories) allow differ according to the individuals social background and culture.The Prototype Theory is sometimes described as a non-classical theory because, may contrast the principles of the classical view. The classical theory suggested that an object could be correctly referred to by a word only if it has the correct qualifications with regards to characteristics that signify the meaning of the expression or the word. For example, any type of bird is a bird only if it has feathers, has wings, flies and so on If the bird does not have wings, then the label bird in inadequate and does not apply to the concept bird.Central ConceptConsidering, the concept Cat the first idea that comes to a speakers mind would be a small, meowing, four-legged, furry animal, with a tail. Merging out into the fuzzier members of this category, would give not only braggy cats like leopards, lions and tigers, but also Sphinx (furless cats) and Manx (tail less cats). If the classical theory was applicable to this category, a Sphinx would never be considered a cat because it is furless, a Manx wouldnt be considered a cat either because it has no tail, and even tigers, leopards and lions, they would be declined in the cat category for the reason that they do not meow, they roar.In violate of the fact that the classical theory was taken for granted as correct for a long period of time, the breakthrough brought about by the works of E. Rosch brought linguists, philosophers and scientists similarly to a understand the complexity of the meaning of a concept, and how it does not only depend on the entity it is tied to but also t o the individual way by which it is perceived, a true milestone in cognitive language.To what extent would you expect people who speak different languages to display fundamental differences in the way they judge and perceive the world? Support your answer with examples from one particular domain, such as that of colour terms or number words.The question of whether thought differs by culture, due to language differences in cultures has been puzzling philosophers for a long period of time. Does the representation in human thought involve a linguistic element or does it comprise mental images, independent of language? No stable conclusion has ever been taken regarding this situation but philosophers and linguists alike have aimed their studies and observations towards decision a clearer explanation.The Universalist point of view suggests that thought is autonomous from language, whilst the Realist view suggests that language mirrors culture (relativism) and it influences the manner by which we think (determinism). The latter view suggests that pagan differences result in different ways of thinking. Humbolt (19th century philosopher) implies that languages project different perspectives on the world.Two of the most prominent relativist theorists were Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf. E. Sapir proposed that language made part of culture, and therefore is a factor that effects how a speaker thinks We see and hear and otherwise experience very largely as we do because the language habits of our community predispose certain choices of interpretation. (Sapir, 1929). Whorf further suggested that culture not only ties itself to language but is also related to the way thought is created, paying attention to how grammar may create alternative lines of thought (Whorf, 1956).Speakers of different languages are expected to think differently, this is not only due to their cultural differences but also due to their different language and linguistic abilities. By no means does a simpler language make the speaker simple-minded, but not having words to describe a concept, may contrast that more complex language in terms of expressivity. For example, how can a person think that Christmas comes in celestial latitude, without the words Christmas and December in his mental lexicon? The analysis for the further understanding of how language and thought relate can be done by analysing two speakers of different languages and comparison the way an object is perceived with regard to the vocabulary present within the language of each speaker.Taking the core concept colour and assuming that everyone has the same mental capacity to perceive concepts if a language (L1) fails to provide a word for the colour yellow language does indeed effect perception, only if speakers of L1 will be unable to perceive the concept yellow. Berlin and Kay (1969) studied this relation between thought, culture and language by tackling the core concept of colours compare languages whi lst questioning whether there is a pattern for the understanding of core concepts to all cultures. For example Dani (New Guinea) has two terms for describing colour, Tamil (India) has six terms for colour whilst Lebanese Arabic and English each have up to eleven terms. E. Rosch revised the Berlin and Kay theory by comparing speakers of Dani (having only a black/white system) and English speakers. Rosch studied whether speakers of Dani could still observe different colours and differentiate between them. Results of this study showed that regardless of their linguistic contrasts Dani and English speakers showed the same trends in colour understanding helping Rosch to conclude that colour concepts are universal.Language and thought may be related since certain concepts cannot be thought of unless the thinker or speaker has a language. Therefore, language and culture are seen to go hand in hand with thought.

Role Of SMEs In The Mauritius Tourism Industry

Role Of SMEs In The Mauritius Tourism IndustryJones and Haven- Tang (2005) studied 10 characteristics that be popular for SMEs SMEs are job opportunities generator there is the risk of fear failure SMEs are more flexible than are large enterprises and downhearted entrepreneur are have a closer relationship with their customers however not too proactive to innovation and engine room motivations of SMEs depends on the entrepreneurs steering of alive and even differentiate through gender business strategies differs from one SMEs to another some are well managed some are deficient in business and managerial skills entry of business is easy but preparations in surviving depends on owners abilities to manage SMEs are resistant to external assistance due to cultures of self-importance reliance that act deal barriers owners are resilient to invest in managerial trainings SMEs have poor market research and knowledge wariness nearly customers thare are lack of an integrated approac h to business planning and functionality. accord to Beyene (2002) entrepreneurship is a function of opportunities, technical and commercial skills, entrepreneurial spirit, finance, infrastructure and the overall environment within which the SMEs operate. Studies (Brigham and Smith, 1967 Walker, 1975) stated that SMEs tend to be riskier than the larger organization. Cochran (1981) found SMEs were subject to higher failure rates, and Markland (1974) suggested that SMEs tend to keep less adequate records than big companies. knowledge base Bank (1994, 2002, 2004 cited Beck et al., 2003) state 3 core characteristics of SMEs which are firstly, SMEs enhance competition and entrepreneurship and hence have external benefits on economy-wide efficiency, innovation, and aggregate productivity growth secondly, SMEs are generally more productive than large firms and thirdly, SME boosts employment more than large firm beca practise SMEs are more labour intensive.Dagmar Recklies (2001) stated SME s are characterized by factors equal size of enterprise or independent self-will (family of small group of people). These traits may lead to disadvantages and advantages with respect to globalization shown in table1 belowBuhalis (2009) said that the touristry labor, although the largest industry in the manhood, is dominated by SMEs and encapsulates any varied and disparate economic sectors. Harvey and Lee (2002) described the role of SMEs as economic in east Asian Countries. SME, according to Harvey and Lee (2002), is a source of employment, innovation and creating export opportunities and act as a means to grow into larger firms. These aspects of SMEs are essential prospects that will continue in the future. concord to UNIDO (2006), SMEs are the driving force in industrial development. They comprise more than 90% of all enterprises in the world and are on average providing 60 to 80% of total employment, indeed help to contribute to Millennium Development Goals, in particula r poverty annihilation and growth global partnerships.Migiro and Ocholla (2005) suggested that SMEs account for a significant share of production and employment in many countries and are directly related to poverty alleviation. speckle in many respects the South African economy is different from that of other countries in the continent, SMEs are relevant for employment and as an income source.In estate after country, statistics show that even during these years of economic crisis and recession, the one robust sector providing economic growth, increased productivity and employment has been that of small and medium-sized enterprises, WIPO. In cxxx countries, 140 one thousand thousand SMEs employed 65% of labour force in July 2006, World Bank (2006, cited Kotelnikov, 2007).According to Fadahunsi and Daodu (1997, cited Beyene, 2002, p.131), in Asian countries like Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan Korea, India and Sri Lanka, 90% of businesses are small enterprises a nd this represent 98% of the employment in Indonesia, 78% in Thailand, 81% in Japan and 87% in Bangladesh. The tourism industry of Australia primarily consists of SMEs, with more than 90% of businesses employing fewer than 20 staff, OECD.According to the European Commission SMEs play a central role in the European economy. They are a major source of entrepreneurial skills, innovation and employment. In the enlarged European Union of 25 countries, some 23 million SMEs provide just about 75 million jobs and represent 99% of all enterprises.Duarte (2004) stated that the role played by SMEs in any society is undoubtedly important, for instance, in Portugal close to 98% of the industrial fabric is composed by SMEs. Duarte (2004) describes the role of SMEs as an engine of economic growth and the proportion of SMEs in the industry is large in percentage. Shumpeter (1934, cited Duarte, 2004) emphasizes the role of SMEs as a principal cause of economic development.Lukasc (nd) studied that SMEs are recognized as the backbone of the British economy, accounting for more than half of the UKs turnover. 93 % of all European enterprises have less than 10 employees and there are 20.5 million enterprises in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, providing employment for 122 million people. Alistair et al. (2003) studied the role of SMEs in China and stated that SMEs are important as they contribute to the national income and employment.Jones and Haven- Tang (2005) described the role of SMEs in developing a tourism destinations image and service tonus along with other stakeholders of the industry (especially government). They described the contributions of tourism SMEs in defining service quality and so exploring the relationship between quality of services and products by local SMEs and destination matchedness. Jones and Haven- Tang (2005) explained that the nature of tourism SMEs makes it important for policy makers to consider in range promoting destination development.Andersson et al (2007) discussed the role of SMEs owned by women as contributing in job creation. The authors stated that women entrepreneurs are more likely to employ women, thus providing jobs not only for themselves but for other women, which helps to reduce the effect of discrimination against women in the labour market. In addition, reducing female person unemployment assists in fighting women trafficking. Finally, female entrepreneurs serve as role models for the younger generations, demonstrating modern employment (self-employment) opportunities.According to UNIDO (2003) the only air to reduce poverty in a sustainable way is to promote economic growth, through wealth and employment creation. In developing countries, SMEs are the major source of income, a breeding ground for entrepreneurs and a supplier of employment. SMEs may be characterized as the principal building blocks of the Pakistani economy, providing the country with opportunities for increased employ ment (including female employment), poverty eradication, enhanced productivity, competitiveness and international market penetration.Kotelnikov (2007) studied the contributions of SMEs to employment and the countries GDP and innovations. It is commonplace for governments to have policies to encourage the growth of SMEs as they can help to directly alleviate poverty by change magnitude income levels and creating jobs. Kotelnikov (2007) stated that SMEs encourages technological progress and benefit either as producers of ICT or as users of ICT for purposes such as increased productivity, faster communications and reaching new clients. As TSMEs increases, entrepreneurs become more aware of the managerial skills as well as knowledge of the industry expands resulting into innovation of their products and services thus gaining a competitive advantage to increase profits thus encouraging people to invest to establish TSMEs because of the market opportunities captured by the profitability. He described SMEs as efforts to develop women entrepreneurship that helps in return in increasing gender equality by providing women with a source of income.Manyara and Jones (2005) describe the importance of the TSMEs development in Kenya that can help in the goal of alleviating poverty and developing of new tourism product. Sustainable livelihoods are considered to be possible through SMEs in the tourism industry and the authors explained the economic impress of SMEs on the poverty alleviation. They consider tourism SMEs to benefit local communities and creation of SMEs will enable better linkage with the local economy and will conduct complementary partnerships.Di Dominico (2005) studied the concept of lifestyle entrepreneur that is the non-economic factors of TSMEs. She describes the non-economic business values and orientations like the lifestyle of small business owners. Establishing a small enterprise may not have same significance to different people. Different person bel onging to different groups have different aims and objectives in mind small-arm orbit up a business. People have incentives according to their social, economic and cultural environment in which they live. Some people start a business to be their own boss, and not be controlled by other person. Therefore people have different motivations like liberty and independence other than economic ones like profitability to start forming small businesses defining a way of living or lifestyle. The author analysed that lifestyles of SMEs reflect a less objective definition of quality of life that consider aspects of work, family, gender and variations of consumption and the relationship between these aspects. However, she added that in TSMEs there must be a more objective approach to ownership and management in order to have development and success.Baldwin (1995) studied the characteristics of SMEs that make success possible. He talked about innovation being the prime factor that contributes to success. The use of proper technological, marketing, management, human resource, investment and competitive strategies are necessary to increase or decrease profitability. Theses factors are the growth factors associated to success. The study shows that SMEs stress the importance of management. SMEs stress on often stated problems in the area of training, capital cost and innovation. TSMEs are conscious of the need for a highly-skilled work force and rank themselves to a higher place their competitors in this regard. He stated that successful SMEs have to consider three dimensions that are growth, profitability and productivity. The best way to achieve these dimensions according to Baldwin (1995) is by innovation.According to Migiro and Ocholla (2005), SMEs and ICT have a direct connection in improving the business efficiency, productivity and the development of new products and services, thus creating new business opportunities and markets. The use of technology is widely used i n marketing, advertising, doing transaction with foreign clients and adopting the concept of e-commerce. ICT have a role in improving business services, as in the hotel and tourism industry (Duncombe and Heeks, 2001, cited Migiro and Ocholla, 2005). Chandra (2002) stated that SMEs have to go through the technology ladder in order to remain competitive.Lal (2007) studied the adoption of ICT in the Nigerian SMEs. According to him, globalization is among the factors that influence SMEs to make use of technologies. However, he explains that good electricity supply and connectivity is necessary for SMEs to make use of IT. E-Commerce is one of the most visible examples of the way in which ICTs can contribute to economic growth. It helps countries into the global economy. It allows business and entrepreneurs to become more competitive. And it provided jobs, thereby creating wealth (UNCTAD 2004a, cited Lal 2007).However, the human capital should not be disregard as Cunningham and Rowley (2 008) studied the role of SMEs in China and a system of HRM that will boost competitive capabilities of SMEs. They stated that SMEs acts as non-governmental investment booster while contributing to the improvement of the economic structure. Hence, SMEs play an important economic role in China. The traditional personnel practices of SMEs should shift to HRM, which are resourcing, rewards, development and relations, and to more management dimensions. Proper management skills as well as considering other factors such as an organizational strategy and taking account of the national context are necessary for sustaining growth, prospects and ultimately survival.

Does Indian Stand In Terms Of Global Integration Economics Essay

Does Indian Stand In Terms Of Global Integration scotchs EssayThe world-wide break downment to struggleds economic, financial, guile and communications integration. globoseisationimplies the opening of local and nationalisticperspectivesto a broader outlook of an interconnected and interdependent world withfreetransferof capital, goods, andservices crossways national frontiers. However, it does not complicate unhindered movement oflaborand, as suggested by someeconomists, may hurt smaller or fragileeconomiesif applied indiscriminately.Name for the process of change magnitude the connectivity and interdependence of theworldsmarketsandbusinesses. This process has speeded up dramatically in the last two decades as technologicaladvances fuddle it easier for tidy sumto travel, communicate, and dobusiness multinationally. Two majorrecent driving forces argon advances in telecommunicationsinfrastructureand theriseof the internet. In command, aseconomiesbecome more connected to dissimilar economies, they have increased opportunity but likewise increasedcompetition. Thus, as globalization becomes a more and more common feature ofworldeconomics, leaveful pro-globalization and anti-globalizationlobbieshave arisen.The pro-globalizationlobbyargues that globalizationbringsabout frequently increased opportunities for almost every integrity, and increased competition is a good thing since it makesagentsof production moreefficient. The two most prominent pro-globalizationorganizations be theWorld Trade Organizationand the WorldEconomicForum. The WorldTradeOrganizationis a pan-governmentalentity(which currently has 144 members) that wasset upto formulate a set of rules to governglobaltradeandcapital flowsthrough the process of member consensus, and to supervise their member countries toensurethat the rules ar being followed. The World Economic Forum, aprivatefoundation, does not have decision-makingpowerbut enjoys a greatdealof importance since it has been ef fective as a powerfulnet running(a) gathering for m whatever of the worlds business,governmentand not-profitleaders.The anti-globalization group argues that certain groups of people who are deprived intermsofresourcesare not currently capable of functioning deep down the increasedcompetitivepressure that provide be brought about by allowing their economies to be more connected to the rest of the world. aftermathant anti-globalization organizations include environmental groups handle Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace transnationalaid organizations similar Oxfamthird worldgovernmentorganizations like the G-77 business organizations and tradeunionswhosecompetitivenessis threatened by globalization like the U.S. textiles andEuropean fartherm lobby, as well as the Australian and U.S. tradeunionmovements.Impact of globalization on Developing Countries and IndiaGlobalization is the refreshed bevel that has come to dominate the world since the nineties of the last century with the end of the cold war and the break-up of the former Soviet Union and the global trend towards the turn over ball. The frontiers of the state with increased reliance on the market prudence and renewed faith in the private capital and resources, a process of structural limiting spurred by the studies and influences of the World Bank and new(prenominal) International organizations have started in many of the evolution countries. Also Globalization has brought in new opportunities to developing countries. great access to developed country markets and technology transfer hold out promise improved productivity and higher brisk standard. But globalization has in like manner thrown up new challenges like growing inequality across and within nations, volatility in financial market and environmental deteriorations. Another prejudicious aspect of globalization is that a great majority of developing countries remain removed from the process. Till the nineties the process of globalizatio n of the Indian economy was limit by the barriers to trade and localisement liberalization of trade, investment and financial flows initiated in the nineties has progressively degradeed the barriers to competition and hastened the pace of globalization.Impact on IndiaIndia subject up the economy in the early nineties following a major crisis that led by a foreign exchange crunch that dragged the economy close to defaulting on loans. The response was a slew of Domestic and external sector constitution measures partly prompted by the immediate needs and partly by the demand of the multilateral organisations. The new policy regime radically pushed forward in favour of amore open and market oriented economy.Major measures initiated as a part of the liberalisation and globalisation strategy in the early nineties included scrapping of the industrial licensing regime, reduction in the number of areas reserved for the public sector, amendment of the monopolies and the sumptuary trade practices act, start of the privatisation programme, reduction in tariff grade and change over to market determined exchange rates.Over the years there has been a steady liberalisation of the current account transactions, more and more sectors opened up for foreign direct investments and portfolio investments facilitating entry of foreign investors in telecom, roads, ports, airports, insurance and other major sectors.The Indian tariff rates reduced sharply over the decade from a weighted average of 72.5% in 1991-92 to 24.6 in 1996-97.Though tariff rates went up slowly in the late nineties it touched 35.1% in 2001-02. India is committed to reduced tariff rates. Peak tariff rates are to be reduced to be reduced to the minimum with a peak rate of 20%, in another 2 years most non-tariff barriers have been take down by March 2002, including almost all quantitative restrictions.India is GlobalThe liberalisation of the house servant economy and the increasing integration of India with th e global economy have helped abuse up gross domestic product growth rates, which picked up from 5.6% in 1990-91 to a peak level of 77.8% in 1996-97. Growth rates have slowed down since the country has hush up bee able to achieve 5-6% growth rate in three of the last six years. Though growth rates has slumped to the lowest level 4.3% in 2002-03 principally because of the worst droughts in two decades the growth rates are expected to go up close to 70% in 2003-04. A Global analogy shows that India is now the fastest growing just after China.This is major improvement given that India is growth rate in the 1970s was very low at 3% and GDP growth in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, and Mexico was more than twice that of India. Though Indias average annual growth rate almost doubled in the eighties to 5.9% it was still lower than the growth rate in China, Korea and Indonesia. The pick up in GDP growth has helped improve Indias global rig. Consequently Indias position in the g lobal economy has improved from the 8thposition in 1991 to 4thplace in 2001. When GDP is calculated on purchasing power parity basis.Globalisation and PovertyGlobalisation in the form of increased integration though trade and investment is an important reason why much progress has been made in reducingpovertyand global inequality over recent decades. But it is not the only reason for this often unrecognised progress, good national polices, sound institutions and domestic political stability also matter.Despite this progress, poverty remains one of the most serious international challenges we shell up to 1.2 billion of the developing world 4.8 billion people still live in extreme poverty.But the proportion of the world commonwealth living in poverty has been steadily declining and since 1980 the absolute number of poor people has stopped rising and appears to have fallen in recent years despite strong population growth in poor countries. If the proportion living in poverty had no t fallen since 1987 alone a further 215million people would be living in extreme poverty today.India has to concentrate on five important areas or things to follow to achieve this goal. The areas like technological entrepreneurship, new business openings for small and medium enterprises, importance of quality management, new prospects in rural areas and privatisation of financial institutions. The manufacturing of technology and management of technology are two different significant areas in the country.There will be new prospects in rural India. The growth of Indian economy very much depends upon rural interest in the global race. After implementing the new economic policy the role of villages got its own significance because of its unique outlook and branding methods. For example food affect and packaging are the one of the area where new entrepreneurs can enter into a big way. It may be organised in a joint way with the help of co-operatives to meet the global demand.Understan ding the current status of globalisation is necessary for setting course for future. For all nations to reap the full benefits of globalisation it is essential to create a level playing field. President Bushs recent proposal to eliminate all tariffs on all manufactured goods by 2015 will do it. In fact it may exacerbate the prevalent inequalities. According to this proposal, tariffs of 5% or less on all manufactured goods will be eliminated by 2005 and higher than 5% will be lowered to 8%. Starting 2010 the 8% tariffs will be lowered each year until they are eliminated by 2015.GDP Growth rateThe Indian economy is passing through a difficult phase caused by several unfavourable domestic and external developments Domestic output and Demand conditions were adversely affected by poor performance in agriculture in the past two years. The global economy experienced an overall deceleration and recorded an output growth of 2.4% during the past year growth in real GDP in 2001-02 was 5.4% as per the Economic Survey in 2000-01. The performance in the first quarter of the financial year is5.8% and second quarter is 6.1%.Export and ImportIndias Export and Import in the year 2001-02 was to the extent of 32,572 and 38,362 million respectively. Many Indian companies have started becoming respectable players in the International scene. Agriculture exports account for about 13 to 18% of union annual of annual export of the country. In 2000-01 Agricultural products valued at more than US $ 6million were exported from the country 23% of which was contributed by the leatherneck products alone. Marine products in recent years have emerged as the single largest contributor to the total agricultural export from the country accounting for over one fifth of the total agricultural exports. Cereals (mostly basmati rice and non-basmati rice), oil seeds, tea and coffee are the other prominent products each of which accounts fro nearly 5 to 10% of the countries total agricultural exports. Where does Indian stand in terms of Global Integration?India clearly lags in globalisation. Number of countries has a clear lead among them China, large part of east and far east Asia and Eastern Europe. Lets look at a few indicators how much we lag.Over the past decade FDI flows into India have averaged around 0.5% of GDP against 5% for China 5.5% for Brazil. Whereas FDI inflows into China now exceeds US $ 50 billion annually. It is only US $ 4billion in the case of IndiaConsider global trade Indias theatrical role of world merchandise exports increased from .05% to .07% over the pat 20 years. Over the same period Chinas share has tripled to almost 4%.Indias share of global trade is similar to that of the Philippines an economy 6 times smaller according to IMF estimates. India under trades by 70-80% given its size, proximity to markets and labour cost advantages.It is interesting to note the gossip made last year by Mr. Bimal Jalan, Governor of RBI. Despite all the talk, we are now where ever close being globalised in terms of any commonly used indicator of globalisation. In fact we are one of the least globalised among the major countries however we look at it.As Amartya Sen and many other have pointed out that India, as a geographical, politico-cultural entity has been interacting with the outside world throughout history and still continues to do so. It has to adapt, assimilate and contribute. This goes without saying even as we move into what is called a globalised world which is distinguished from previous eras from by faster travel and communication, greater trade linkages, denting of political and economic sovereignty and greater acceptance of body politic as a way of life.ConsequencesThe implications of globalisation for a national economy are many. Globalisation has intensified interdependence and competition amidst economies in the world market. This is reflected in Interdependence in regard to trading in goods and services and in movement of capital. As a result domestic economic developments are not determined entirely by domestic policies and market conditions. Rather, they are influenced by some(prenominal) domestic and international policies and economic conditions. It is thus clear that a globalising economy, while formulating and evaluating its domestic policy cannot afford to ignore the possible actions and reactions of policies and developments in the rest of the world. This constrained the policy option available to the government which implies loss of policy autonomy to some extent, in decision-making at the national level.Advantages of GlobalizationIt is the advantages of Globalization which act to bring about economic welfare on international levels, thereby benefiting the worldwide population.Mentioned below, are the advantages of Globalization which facilitate the development of world economies immenselyFree movement of capitals offers access to the foreign investments to many countries like the United St ates of America.The worldwide commercial market becomes so flexible due to the advent of Globalization, that transactions of the international companies are not restricted to geographical borders of the countries.Globalization enhances the flow of capital, permitting the investors to invest on the untapped resources of the developing countries.Globalization of the mass media has reduced the global space substantially, keeping the people informed about all latest international happenings through different television channels.Improvement in global communication networks leads to easy flow of important information not only to individuals but at company levels as well.The democratic thoughts are rapidly spread among countries across the world, owing to Globalization.Globalization stresses on increasing mutual dependence among all the nation-states across the world.Globalization lessens the possibilities of warfare among developed countries to considerable extents.The developed countries display a tendency for working towards protecting their surrounding environments to large extents.Globalization enhances free international trades among countries across the world.The total output levels of a country increase when productions become competition-oriented. This means that to compete with the existing world market, the products must be of best qualities and they also improve the lifestyle of the overall population.Cheap imports and extensive competition on international level keep a check on the prices leading to lower inflation rates, which occasionally interrupt the economic growth and development of a nation.Economic Globalization ushers in the concept of Open Economy, where there is an extensive promotion of technological growth and inventions. This requires new topics and concepts to be imported from abroad.Employments in the export-oriented industries generally pay its employees approximately 15% more than the import-oriented jobs in a country.One of the domin eering effects of Globalization is the smooth and speedy transportation of people and commodities to different corners of the world.Globalization reduces cultural blockages and differences among nations, by encouraging fellow-feeling and mutual compassion.Disadvantages of GlobalizationThe following general factors may be considered as drawbacks of GlobalizationThere is significant increase in the flow of skilled and unskilled employment opportunities simultaneously from developed and developing countries across the world. This is due to the fact that the global companies are in search of cheap labors to extract maximum benefit at minimum expenses.The popular reactions of Globalization may be violent in the sense that people are more interested in maintaining the traditions and customs associated with world culture. In such a situation the control of a handful of companies over the global media may restrict expression of culture.A main drawback of Globalization is that it enhances po ssibilities of unintentional transportation of diseases among countries.Globalization gives birth to money-oriented lifestyles and selfish attitudes, which consider consumption to be a mean to attain overall economic affluence.Globalization increases the possibility of civil war between the developed nations and opens battle between the developing nations for getting hold of the available resources.Globalization tends to reduce environmental honesty, because the corrupt companies make use of the promiscuous authoritarian rules of the developing nations.Escalation in the possibility of economic disturbances in one particular country, affects the economic balance of other nations as well.The commercial power of nation-states increases far more than ordinary individuals and the civil society institutions.With the rapid spread of Globalization, there are chances for international organizations like World Trade Organization (WTO) to violate both national and international sovereignty.G lobalization intensifies commercial competition among developed and developing nations in an attempt to improve their respective economic conditions.The existing gap between the rich and poor nations is widened more, with the advent of Globalization.Globalization has made the small commercial sectors to struggle hard for existence and establish their trades.Globalization has increased exploitation of the working class or the labor class of the society.The revenue generated in the host nations is hardly spend in that particular country for uplifting the economic conditions of its population rather this revenue is spend in other countries across the globe. This pallidens national unity and independence, permitting the developed countries to dispatch domestic jobs abroad, in search of cheap labor. closeIn conclusion, globalization has brought a lot of advantages and disadvantages to us. We know there is nothing perfect in this world things just have limited strong features and weak fe atures. But the most important point is that people all over the world should try to balance the advantages and the disadvantages of globalization because we are the ones who stay here to make the world a better place.Viper the Anti-plagiarism Report

Our Hike up Poly Canyon :: Descriptive Essays Observation

Our Hike up Poly canonIf I had known what lay before me Monday morning on our hike up Poly Canyon, I would not have been so hesitant. After many attempts, my alarm finally woke me up at 630 am. As I stumbled into the shower and got ready, I was dreading our threatening hike. I struggled to put on my shoes as my feet still ached with blisters from my last ascent of a local mountain. Less than two weeks earlier my howler concourse traveled up Bishops Peak an unpleasant adventure I was not eager to repeat. An hour later, still fighting to keep my eyeball open, I met my class in the lobby and together we ascended to the gate of Poly Canyon to greet our Professor. By the time we stopped for our first rest, I had experienced a whirlwind of impressions. The cold, biting air snapped at my skin. The sounds of campus life faded as we made our way to the back array of the mountain. In their place was the chirping of birds, crackling of leaves falling get rid of trees and the b ellow of nearby cows. In place of the redbrick dorms and Cerro Vista apartments of campus stood the shabby sheds and arenas of the Campus Farm. We passed dry, fruitless Serpentine rock on our way, and cactus grew opposite a barren river. short aft(prenominal) passing an ancient oak tree, we discovered a group of deer staring back at us. We stopped to gaze at the gathering on a nearby hill, and once they scurried to the top we continued on our way. The novel sights, sounds and smells we experienced in the first twenty minutes of our adventure wonderful my liquor and increased my anticipation for what was to come. After our break, we crossed a narrow bridge, passed through a grove of sweet-smelling trees, and began our ascent up the back side of the mountain. My sentiments speedily shifted back to ones of pain and regret. The wounds on my feet reopened and I was bleeding through my socks. My breath grew shorter and my face became redder from exhaustion. The views were j ust as disheartening, given that the dense fog hid the yellowish pink of the hills. The wholly natural features visible were small, sharp rocks which further made my feet ache more, and yucca bushes, slightly more pleasant to the eye, but painful to the touch.Our Hike up Poly Canyon Descriptive Essays ObservationOur Hike up Poly CanyonIf I had known what lay before me Monday morning on our hike up Poly Canyon, I would not have been so hesitant. After many attempts, my alarm finally woke me up at 630 am. As I stumbled into the shower and got ready, I was dreading our impending hike. I struggled to put on my shoes as my feet still ached with blisters from my last ascent of a local mountain. Less than two weeks earlier my WOW group traveled up Bishops Peak an unpleasant adventure I was not eager to repeat. An hour later, still fighting to keep my eyes open, I met my class in the lobby and together we ascended to the gate of Poly Canyon to greet our Professor. By the time we stopped for our first rest, I had experienced a whirlwind of impressions. The cold, bitter air snapped at my skin. The sounds of campus life faded as we made our way to the back side of the mountain. In their place was the chirping of birds, crackling of leaves falling off trees and the bellows of nearby cows. In place of the redbrick dorms and Cerro Vista apartments of campus stood the shabby sheds and arenas of the Campus Farm. We passed dry, fruitless Serpentine rock on our way, and cactus grew opposite a barren river. Soon after passing an ancient oak tree, we discovered a group of deer staring back at us. We stopped to gaze at the assembly on a nearby hill, and once they scurried to the top we continued on our way. The novel sights, sounds and smells we experienced in the first twenty minutes of our adventure elevated my spirits and increased my anticipation for what was to come. After our break, we crossed a narrow bridge, passed through a grove of sweet-smelling tree s, and began our ascent up the back side of the mountain. My sentiments quickly shifted back to ones of pain and regret. The wounds on my feet reopened and I was bleeding through my socks. My breath grew shorter and my face became redder from exhaustion. The views were just as disheartening, given that the dense fog hid the beauty of the hills. The only natural features visible were small, sharp rocks which further made my feet ache more, and yucca bushes, slightly more pleasant to the eye, but painful to the touch.